3 Tasty smoothies with strange secret ingredients

What's in these yummy concoctions?

There are plenty of smoothie recipes these days that are loaded with berries, juice and other healthy ingredients, but they're just the tip of the creative iceberg when it comes to this nutritious breakfast or snack. Shake things up in surprising and nutritious ways with these flavourful secret ingredients.

Strawberries and cream

Serving size 1

Platters of fruit and cheese have long been considered delightful flavour combinations, but chances are you haven't considered pouring the contents of a fruit-and-cheese platter into a blender to whip it all into a smoothie. Fair enough. But your perception of just how closely fruit and cheese can be intertwined might change after you try this ricotta cheese and strawberry beverage.

Ingredients:

1 cup frozen strawberries

1/4 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup milk

Honey, to taste

Directions:

Place the strawberries, ricotta and milk in a blender, and combine thoroughly.

Mango protein punch

Serving size 1

Many smoothies touted for their high protein content rely on protein powder, but that isn't the secret ingredient in this scrumptious concoction! Instead it relies on the protein found in beans. You might not think beans belong in a smoothie, but you'll surely change your mind after you enjoy them in this thick and creamy beverage. Not only is it delicious, but between the navy beans and the soy milk, you'll be consuming roughly 10–11 grams of protein!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup cooked navy beans

1-1/2 cups frozen mango

3/4 cup soy milk

2 teaspoons honey (more or less to taste)

Directions:

Place the beans and mango in a blender, and process until both ingredients are well broken down.

Add in the soy milk and honey, and continue blending until fully combined.

Note: You can add more soy milk if you prefer a more fluid smoothie, and you can adjust the honey to your desired sweetness.

Lean greens

Serving size 1 meal or 2 snacks

You don't have to wait until lunchtime to start eating your vegetables thanks to this tasty green smoothie. It's fortified with nutritious broccoli, flavoured with some nutty avocado and sweetened with yummy fruits for a wholesome and delicious start to your day.

Ingredients:

1 cup broccoli florets

1/4 of an avocado

1 banana, peeled, chopped and frozen

1 peach, chopped

1 cup unsweetened almond milk

1/4 cup ice cubes

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a blender, and combine on high until the broccoli is thoroughly broken down and all the ingredients are well combined.

Note: You can add more almond milk if you prefer a more fluid smoothie and add a little of your favourite sweetener, to taste, if desired.